Religion and the State: An International Analysis of Roles and Relationships

(Hardback)

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This timely and authoritative resource combines both topical and country-by-country coverage to help readers understand the coexistence of church and state in nations around the world today. At a time when faith-based groups have become more politically active in the United States, and with religious conflicts at the epicenter of many of the world's most dangerous hotspots, Religion and the State: An International Analysis of Roles and Relationships could not be more welcomed or timely. Country by country, faith by faith, it unravels the historic underpinnings and long-range effects of the relationship between religious principles and the operations of government in its many guises worldwide. The work combines topical essays on significant developments in the confluence of religion and law throughout the world with short descriptions of each countries' current treatment of religion. Readers can investigate specific nations, compare situations across nations, and explore key issues in the pervasive, often controversial relationship between religion and government.

Reviews

Religion and the State is a much-needed study of one of the most important aspects of human history. This title is highly recommended. * ARBAonline *
The relationships between church and state are vastly different throughout the world, from theoretically separate as in the United States to virtually indistinguishable as in Iran. Merriman (history, U. of Kentucky) makes that abundantly clear in his international analysis of roles and relationships between government and religion. The book's 200 entries are a combination of issue-based essays and country-by-country explorations of those relationships. A helpful chronology helps frame the book's examination of the interactions of church and state both historically and as they exist today. It also contains a glossary, a comprehensive index, and a bibliography of print and online resources. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

Scott A. Merriman, PhD, is professor of history at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, and teaches online for the University of Maryland University College and the American Public University System. His published works include ABC-CLIO's Religion and the Law in America: An Encyclopedia of Personal Belief and Public Policy.